Waterloo Quarter would like to welcome Islamic Relief to Lower Marsh. With over 100 branches worldwide Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity, member of DEC which aims to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people.     While 1 billion people across the world are forced to live on just 50p a day, Islamic Relief assist individuals, groups and institutions to develop safe and caring communities where the basic requirements of people in need are fulfilled.   They promote sustainable development through programmes in education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and income generation. The organisation also works to ease the effect of disasters, preparing for their occurrence and responding by providing relief and rehabilitation.

Celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year, the charity started in 1984 with a 20p donation from an orphan. This generosity inspired Dr Hany El Banna to form Islamic Relief. The charity has since grown and now supports over 27,000 orphans in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Islamic Relief are currently seeking donations to a number of appeals.

The Pakistan Emergency appeal is directed at the humanitarian Crisis in Pakistan’s Swat Region where 1.3 million people have fled the fighting in the volatile region. These people have been forced to leave their homes, livelihoods, and any personal security they may have had. Islamic Relief are helping to provide food, shelter and medical services.

The Bangladesh Emergency appeal is a response to cyclone Aila where parts of coastal Bangladesh were hit in May 2009, killing at least 240 and injuring over 6,500.  A million more have become homeless. Islamic Relief have been providing emergency aid to the survivors, all of whom urgently need clean water, sanitation, food, shelter, clothes, and medication. 

To find out about other appeals and how you can make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.islamic-relief.org.uk or telephone  0800 520 0000.